DAPHNE, Ala.—Brother, sister, scholar-athletes Dalton and Jordan Filotei took another step together Wednesday as they often have since their lifelong journey(s) began about 18 years ago. But this step was one that really leads to different paths.

The Filotei twins signed scholarships at Daphne High’s Trojan Hall committing to college offers to play and study next year—about 1,100 miles apart. Volleyball and nursing at the University of Arkansas, Monticello for Jordan. Baseball and aerospace engineering at The George Washington University for Dalton.

Older by a minute Jordan let her baby brother sign first at their dual ceremony.

“We’ve spent so much time together, it’s going to be different,” she said. “He’s really like my best friend so I’m really glad I got to sign with him. We both wanted to play in college and I’m so happy it worked out. It’s special for us and our parents (Bob and Gail Filotei). But we already decided we’re going to have lunch skype dates so we can still see each other, stay in touch.”

Dalton was also happy they had another big milestone to share.

"It's fantastic that we both have worked so hard and both were able to reach our final goals," he said. "And now it’s taking us to college and then we’ll see where it takes us from there. But it is really cool to celebrate it on the same day. It’s amazing."

Jordan recently wrapped up her senior season as the Lady Trojans starting libero (defensive specialist) and team captain for the second-straight year. She also set a new school record for digs per season at 533 and was ranked 35th in the nation in digs per set in club-league play.

The four-year letterman (Including freshman season at St. Luke’s Episcopal) and three-time All-County player’s career stats total 1,643 digs, 131 aces, 71 assists and 67 kills.

The UAM Cotton Blossoms play NCAA Division II volleyball for head coach Peter Cruz in the Great American Conference.

"I just fell in love with the campus there," she said about UAM. "I really like the small town atmosphere. It's like a second home for me already."

For Daphne head coach Edoli Herrion, the elder Filotei has the talent and work ethic to play at any level.

“You cannot ask for a greater work ethic,” Herrion said. “She comes to practice early, helps set up nets, works hard, stays after. Always works at getting better. Always ask how she can help the team be better. Never complains. Keeps up a great GPA. And just a great leader on and off the court. Great character and we are extremely proud of her.”

Daphne head baseball coach Joe Hutchins said, not surprisingly, Dalton had many of the same characteristics as his twin on and off the field.

“When the Filotei family moved to Daphne, it was a good day for Daphne and Daphne High School,” he said.

“Dalton impresses me as both a great student and with how he improves as a player and always keeps working at getting better. I mean this is the kid that grow up to be a rocket scientist, really. So, George Washington is such a good fit for him with such high academic standards and the kind of baseball program that suits him, too.

"I’m excited about his senior year and how he will be able to help us do some things to win ball games that we have not always been able to do.”

Dalton starts at center field for Hutchins after starting as a freshman infielder at St. Luke’s Episcopal. As a sophomore and junior at Daphne, he transitioned to outfield and is hitting a combined .342, has compiled 19 RBIs, 32 stolen bases and scored 36 runs.

He is listed in Baseball America’s speed section at 6.47 seconds in the 60-yard dash. He also  participated in the East Coast Pro Showcase in New York, the Area Code Games in Long Beach, Cal., and was selected to play at the New Balance Area Code Games for the Chicago White Sox in 2012.

Filotei said he is excited to play for former Pittsburgh Pirate major league hitting director Gregg Ritchie and his speed oriented offense.

"I am looking forward to working with him when I get up there. In the game, my speed and my work ethic are my biggest strengths," Dalton said. "I try to work as hard as I can and play as hard as I can no matter what. If I hit a ground ball to the pitcher, I’ll give it 110 percent down the baseline. I pride myself in that and you never know what might happen."

He also said his dad and Hutchins, who both played at the University of South Alabama, have helped him hone his natural skills and optimize his potential. Bob Filotei is now a scout for the Chicago Cubs. Gail Filotei is a teacher in the Baldwin County school system.

“They have helped me get better. When I decided to focus on baseball, my dad was there for me and really helped me with my throwing. Getting my arm where it needed to be and my stance at the plate. He’s spent countless hours with me working out to help me get where I am. And coach Hutch has taught me a lot about the game and challenged me to reach the potential he saw in me. It’s meant a lot.”

Both signees thanked God and their parents as well as all their coaches, teammates and extended family.

“It’s often said that it takes a community to raise a child,” said DHS athletic director Glenn Vickery. “This is a proud day for our community. We have a lot of proud days like this one at Daphne High School and it’s because of a lot of great teachers and administrators and parents and grandparents that care about raising our kids to be the best they can be.

“And it’s good to remember and appreciate the hard work and sacrifice that it takes to be a student athlete. They have kept their grades up and played sports and excelled at both so that now they can continue in college and beyond. We see you leaving here at 5:30 (p.m.) with homework still to do. Or getting off the bus from Foley at 10 (p.m.) after a game and still having work to do for your classes.

“So it’s your hard work, but also it’s all the people that make up the community that make these days possible. For these two coaches—coach E (Herrion) and coach Hutch, who have meant so much to both these kids and their family— it’s a great achievement as well.”  

Dalton is a member of Mu Alpha Theta Math National Honor Society, Key Club and serves on the Model UN and is Historian for the Senior Class.

Jordan is a member of the Mu Alpha Theta Math National Honor Society, Key Club, and was the delegate representative for Daphne High School at Girl's State 2013/2104.